The Long Game (with Bourbon on the Side) // CEO Ja Hillebrand Artwork

Plugged In - A Banking Podcast

Plugged In brings you raw, honest takes on all things in the banking industry. That means you aren’t going to get some buzzword-filled, cliche podcast – you’re getting an unfiltered look into topics in the financial world no one else is talking about. Your hosts, Al Dominick and Steve Williams, will talk to top players in the industry about what matters now, and what will shape the future.

To groove along with Al and Steve's song references in each episode, check out the official Plugged In Spotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1Z7NWPIQuaXQlfHxLWJb3g?si=o552CzjwTr6R4mx13NmOBA

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Plugged In - A Banking Podcast

The Long Game (with Bourbon on the Side) // CEO Ja Hillebrand

April 01, 2026 • Al Dominick and Steve Williams • Season 1 • Episode 49

0:00 | 25:53

Banking keeps getting easier and faster. But according to Stock Yards Bank & Trust Chairman and CEO Ja Hillebrand, none of these technology upgrades can replace relationships. As he says: “You still have to wear out the shoe leather.”

On the show, Ja joins Al and Steve to discuss why the fundamentals of banking haven’t changed and how his bank continues to deliver consistent earnings growth. Plus, Ja shares pro tips for attending the Kentucky Derby and talks about his favorite bourbons.

Subscribe to the Plugged In podcast here:
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Chapters
[00:00] Bourbon, Banking & the Origin Story
[02:55] Playing the Long Game in Banking
[03:35] Bourbon Picks & Personality Break
[05:49] Strategy vs. Execution Gap
[06:38] Winning = Thinking 20 Years Ahead
[07:38] Why Relationships Still Win
[10:44] Service That Never Goes Out of Style
[13:09] M&A, Growth & Staying Independent
[16:04] Focus vs. Over-Diversification
[20:10] AI, Competition & the Future
[23:16] Kentucky Derby Tips & Wrap-Up